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I was recently asked about the reason to shop handmade. I think the best way to answer that question is to understand the process of creating a handmade piece. I’m going to walk you through the steps of making the latest BraggAbout Creation.

Step 1: Get Inspired

Regardless if inspiration comes from a skein of yarn, a photo, or a conversation there is always some sort of inspiration behind a great piece. The latest inspiration was from Pascha from The Posh Blog. She sent me the above photo and asked if I could create something similar. Of course my answer was YES! We then discussed price range, color, fiber choices, and changes that she wanted.

Step 2: Find the Perfect Yarn

I went to 4 or 5 stores and took an insane amount of photos before we were able to decide on a yarn that would be soft, chunky – yet not to hot, machine washable, and grey. While this process has become much more difficult now that I have a 2 month old, it is still so much fun.

Step 3: Create Pattern

All of the pieces I make are ONE of a kind patterns. Nothing is ever written down, I simply decide on shape and then begin knitting. What you purchase from me will have a similar feel but it will be customized to its owner. I am a firm believer that if you are supporting me I will be making sure no one else ever has the same thing as you. I recently collaborated and purchased a “custom” headband for Tiffany, the owner then made and sold MANY more, and a woman that was in a similar circle of friends with ended up buying one without knowing where I had bought mine. I was SO disappointed! That is the reason all of my pieces are different.

Step 4: Reassess Pattern

This step is made much easier for me because I am engaged to an artist. We are always discussing lines and continuity of the piece during the production of any of our art. I redid the bottom of this cowl 6 times before I decided on the “bamboo” stitch. I wanted something linear with a little curve to it. This was a new stitch for me, and it has inspired a new cowl that I will be working on after the Holidays.

Step 5: Fill with Baby Snuggles

This one is really happening during the entire process. My sweet baby will probably be a master knitter before she starts school. I like the owner to know how much love was put into what I am making them, and I love taking 500 pictures of my daughter.

Step 6: Take Photos

Since I primarily sell online I have to convey the essence of my piece, and also make sure that the customer is pleased with what is being sent. I always take photos to make sure that they are pleased before I mail it off. In Pascha’s case she didn’t want the neck to be as big as the photo, so I had to confirm that this was fitting her vision. Thankfully it was! Currently this cowl is packaged and ready to be shipped off on Monday.

Have you ever had a custom piece created for you? If so what was it and were you happy with the results? I love collaborating on different knits. If you have an idea you want made send an email to the BraggAbout Creation’s Etsy or Facebook page!